Residents to face fines for leaving bins out

Residents leaving their bins out across Derby could face a fine under new powers being proposed by the council.

Three citywide Public Spaces Protection Orders (PSPOs) - to address residential bins on streets, dog mess, and begging - are set to be discussed at a meeting on Wednesday.

If approved, powers would be given to the council under the Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014 to give warnings or issue fines.

Streetpride lead councillor Ndukwe Onuoha said: "We want Derby's streets and neighbourhoods to be clean, safe and accessible for everyone, and most residents already do their bit."

The council said uncollected bins caused obstructions, and could create unpleasant smells, attract vermin and be stolen.

The council wants people to put their bins out after 17:00 on the night before collections, and bring them back before 12:00 the day after bin rounds.

Enforcement over bins left on pavements following collections was tested by the council in nine streets over six months, with officers issuing 299 warnings, 129 notices of intent, and 24 fixed penalties of about £70.

Onuoha said in June recruitment for two officers was taking place to be deployed with the council's current public protection officers to help tackle problem bins.

Citywide PSPOs covering dog fouling, and extending the existing city centre begging order, are also being considered. If approved, the PSPOs will be in place for an initial three years.

The council said as part of the orders it would work with partners to offer support where people were vulnerable, particularly in relation to begging, and would look to first offer advice and warnings.

Onuoha said: "Leaving bins out on the pavement for long periods can create unnecessary obstacles, particularly for people using wheelchairs, mobility aids or pushchairs. That's why we're proposing clearer rules about when bins should be put out and brought back on to people's properties.

"The proposed orders on dog fouling and begging are part of the same wider aim - giving us appropriate tools to tackle persistent problems that can have a real impact on our communities and public spaces."

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